This spring, IGCSE students from YCIS’s Century Park Campus had the opportunity to experience a range of different jobs and working environments through the Year 11 Job Shadow programme. During the programme, the students spent one week shadowing one or more employees at companies and organisations throughout Shanghai, learning about careers and what it’s like to be in a real work setting.

The aim of the Job Shadow programme is to provide students with a first-hand experience and insight into different professions, helping them make more informed choices about their potential areas of interest for university study as well as possible future career choices. During the week, the students experienced authentic work environments, explored the requirements of the job(s) they shadowed, and compared actual experiences to their expectations.

This year, the campus University Guidance Office and teachers worked with the students in the lead up to the programme to determine the best fit for each student by looking at their individual career interests and their favourite classes. Students were then presented with information about the job and industry for their shadow experience, and also learned about how to interact in a professional work environment.

This year, supporting organisations included Disney, Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, Rolls Royce, Linde, Doubletree Hotels, the European Chamber of Commerce of Shanghai, and many more. Each company generously invited the Year 11 students into their offices for this valuable experience.

During the exciting week, the students observed and participated in different corporate settings and tasks, including attending meetings and professional luncheons, and they were also assigned small office tasks, allowing them to gain a better understanding of what particular careers involve, and giving them a sense of responsibility and job satisfaction.

Each student was visited at their job site by a University Guidance Counsellor and a teacher supervisor for the programme in order to interview the students and their mentors about the experience. The visitors were impressed by the students’ reflections on their corporate experience and their new understanding of various professions. 

YCIS provides a wide range of opportunities and support for students in order to help prepare them to be successful in their future endeavors. The Job Shadow programme at the Century Park Campus, and dedicated University and Career Guidance Counsellors, are just some of the resources students can access to help prepare for life after high school. To learn more about University planning for Secondary students at the international school in Shanghai, please click here.